Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Lancaster is 5% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,696/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 1%
$76,083/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 30%
$409,100 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 19%
$1,746/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 8%
170,013
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.8%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,603/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Idaho has a lower income tax rate, making Meridian slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Meridian — common questions

Is Lancaster or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Meridian?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Meridian?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $22,603/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between California and Idaho?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Meridian

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord